I'm melting, I'm melting...

Hi ladies,
I attempted to have a stoop sale this weekend. For those of you who have the pleasure of living in real houses with yards, a "stoop sale" is a yard sale for brownstone dwellers like moi. I was trying to get rid of a bunch of random stuff, since recent developments have me thinking that my teeny apartment is about to get MUCH teenier.

More on that later! Tee-hee, I'm such a tease.

Anyway, it went really well until a torrential downpour rained me out (actually, I'm totally lying. It was a failure, mostly because the bulk of my stuff was old shoes, and apparently most Park Slopers don't even KNOW a someone who wears a size 10. Hmph.) But to tell you the truth, I was rained out way before the thunderstorm happened. It was sooo hot, and I was a sweaty, bleary mess. By the end of two hours out there, my blush had traveled to my chin. I won't even tell you what happened to my mascara, it was too ghastly. It seems to me, though, that a fabulous new makeup collection has been sent to answer my summertime prayers. Cargo "Melt-Proof" Makeup Collection ($39...a $90 value!), a collection of three water-resistant products, was formulated specifically for sweltering summer days! I don't actually own this yet...my friend introduced it to me yesterday after I told her the story of my melting maquillage. But I tried it on and tested it out at an outdoor flea market, and my face was totally intact at the end of the day! The limited-edition collection includes a the Better-than-waterproof Mascara, a Melt-proof Bronzer, and a Melt-proof 3 in 1 Eye-Cheek-Lip Palette in Coral/Shimmering Apricot/Bronze (fabulous for all skin tones...seriously, my friend is blonde and it looked gorge on both of us). Enjoy!
xoxo,
Tia

Me on Ravinstyle!

Hi girls,
Well, today is a good day! I'm profiled on the faaabulous style boutique,Ravinstyle.com, as one of their "Style Definers!" Click on my pic on the home page to see the profile! Apparently, my style is "Haute Hippie," though I must say, that's more what I aspire to look like than what I actually wear. I work from home, which means I'm generally wearing my sister Brownie/Devon's old UNC-Chapel Hill gym shorts and a tee that says "Everybody Loves a Latin Boy." Hey, guess what? In honor of the wildly flattering profile, Ravinstyle.com is offering all Shake Your Beauty readers free shipping on all orders! Just use the promo code 'shakeyourbeauty.' The offer is good until August 31st, so start shopping! And seriously? If you've never been on the site, you're about to max out your Visa...it has the cutest collection of summer dresses, sandals, accessories, and other such luxuries. Have fun!
Big kiss,
Tia

En Vogue, Lint, and Weezy

Hi girls,
Did you watch the BET Awards last night? Did you?! I'm still squealing internally OVER the GLORIOUS 90's girl group reunion with Alicia "I-unintentionally-flashed-my-Spanx-on-the-way-to-the-stage" Keys! I thought I'd die before I ever saw SWV, TLC, and En Vogue (including the elusive Dawn!!) sharing a stage together. I was awash in a squishy-warm glow of female empowerment and overwhelming nostalgia. I hate to get all 33-year-old on you girls, but honestly, they just don't make 'em like that any more. As my sister Lauren said, these ladies were rusty, and STILL came out sounding better that half of the R&B chanteuses of today. I just wished someone would've checked Cindy's mic during rehearsal. Anyway, watching that performance made me want to call up all the girls I've lost touch with from UVA, have a big slumber party, drink Tang-spiked Zima, and try to replicate Chilli's baby hairs on each other with a fine-tooth comb.

Just so I don't sound completely over the hill, allow me to say that I firmly believe Weezy SMASHED it. How I love that brilliant little Dark Crystal puppet.


Okay, onto the beauty. On a totally unrelated note, I've discovered yet another little lifesaver (you know, a product I never thought I needed and now can't live without). I discovered a box of Lint-on-the-Go Sheets ($12.99 for a pack of 20) in a party goodie bag that other night, and instantly fell in love. I HATE lint, and since I have a shed-y dog, it's a constant problem for me. I usually carry around a travel-sized lint brush in my purse, but it inevitably get stuck on everything and it's way too bulky. These tiny (4.5" X 3"), individually wrapped lint removal sheets fit in the palm of your hand! You can toss one into your purse, desk drawer, luggage, or gym bag, and be secure in the knowledge that you'll be liberated from lint, hair, and weird fuzz all day long. I hear these ingenious packs were gifted to the stars at last year's awards shows, and now the likes of J. Lo, Tyra, and Angelina are obsessed. Worthy company!
xoxo,
Tia

Q&A Monday

SYB BABE: Marlie Massena

QUESTON: "I LOVE wearing flats! But I hate all the issues that come with wearing shoes with no socks, like sweaty feet. I know you are the queen of finding these little but super helpful accessories. Please help!"


TIA'S 2 CENTS: Oh, Marlie. I just love that you've christened me the Queen of Moisture-Absorbing Foot Products on this overcast Monday morn. It just so happens that I love le flats, as well, and I also suffer from perspiring peds...especially since, as a New Yorker, I have to walk everywhere. For the past couple of summers, I've kept this little gem in my bag at all times: Fruits & Passion Deodorizing Foot Mist ($14.99). It's a purifying mist blended with eucalyptus and tea tree oils, which absorb sweat and stinkiness, like, INSTANTLY. You spray it all over your feet and in-between toes before you put on your shoes in the morning, and then re-spritz every three or four hours after that (or as needed). And in the cooler months, you can even spray it through tights, hose, or socks. I know several sweat-conscious Manhattanites that keep a bottle in their purse, and another in their desks at work. Try it!!

xoxo,
Tia

She got legs...

Hi girls,
Fabulous new MAC invention alert! Everyone's favorite Canadian Cosmetics Company just introduced the MAC Skinsheen Leg Spray ($22.50), a mousse-textured sheer bronzer that adds a slight glow to legs, arms, cleavage...anywhere that you feel needs a touch of ooh-lah-lah. Now, I never really subscribed to the "leg bronzer" movement because, well, my legs are already brown. But this stuff doesn't change your skincolor, it ENHANCES it (pronounce with a soft "a"). It leaves the sauciest hint of a glimmery sheen...only someone looking veddy veddy hard will notice. And this is the person you want to notice you, anyway, right? I am super-tan right now, and I'm wearing Deepest Dark (it also comes in Medium Dark and Dark), and somehow it makes my tan look even yummier. I put it everywhere but my face. Gorgeous!
xoxo,
Tia

Shutup and drive

Hi ladies,
Yay! Yay! Great news! I just passed my driver's road test! Long story. Honestly, this is so embarrassing, but if I can't tell my SYB Babes, who can I tell? Girls, NEVER let your license expire past a year. Why? Because you'll have to go through the ENTIRE TESTING PROCESS AGAIN. I'm talking the five-hour class, the written exam, the learner's permit, and then the road test. The indignity...I've been driving my whole life! Can you imagine me in a driver's ed course with a bunch of 16-year-olds? One was actually writing the lyrics to some Flo Rida song in his notebook (I know this because I asked...look, I write a teen series, it's research). Anyway, I got through all the preliminary stuff and finally scheduled my road test a couple months ago. You'd think this wouldn't be a problem--I mean, it's really just a formality, right? I've had a license since I was a croissant-banged teenager! Well, no. You'd be surprised at how many bad habits you pick up. I failed and shocked myself and the tester by crying a river of tears. Last week my second chance, and I passed!! Congratulations are in order.


I'm telling you this story not only to warn you about the dangers of letting your license expire. I swear to you, after I'd successfully knocked the test out of the park, my young, pretty tester asked me what perfume I was wearing. This may or may not have affected her decision, I'm not sure. But I was delighted to tell her it wasn't a perfume at all, it was Mark Self Sanctuary Honey Jasmine Dry Oil Mist ($10). I have some kind of weird stomach thing happening and I can't stand my usual fragrance...so I've fallen in love with this awesomely fresh dry oil spritz. It's lightly scented with the barest hint of honey and jasmine...just enough to impress the road test powers that be. I love it; it's perfect for the summer! Spray it all over, it's incredibly moisturizing and gives your skin a sexy glow.
xoxo,
Tia

Big PS...I got so many emails about Motion's fabulous new Marula Natural Therapy Collection, I thought I'd remind you that Glam.com is giving away of the luscious Hair Strengthening Moisturizer! Click here to enter. In case you missed my last post, the Marula collection is designed to repair and strengthen hair that's been demolished by chemicals and heat styling. Basically, Motion had me in mind when they whipped up these babies! I've been using the Hair Strengthening Moisturizer for two weeks now, and Adelina, my Dominican stylist, has been oohing and aahing about my "suave" hair like nobody's business!

PPS...To the girls sending all the emails, yes, this is my real hair!

PPPS...To the other girls sending all the emails, the dress I'm wearing in my "Makeover Mama" post is a red shift from H&M!

So fresh, so clean

Hi ladies,
There are some things I just WISH I'd thought of myself. Things like the key card, or Cold Stone Creamery, or those little wheelie sneaker thingies the kids are wearing. These days, I'm kicking myself for not inventing Jonathon Pocket Redo Freshen-Up Wipes for Hair & Skin ($20). You know how your hair starts looking lank, frizzy and beatdown by the third day of your blowout? Simply swipe one of these rose oil-infused, alcohol-free towelettes throughout your hair to instantly refresh your situation! The little miracle workers add a tremendous amount of shine, sop up greasy strands, negate any odors (think cigarette smoke or the grilled salmon scent from last night), and leave behind a subtle, super-clean scent. The best part is, after you've revived your dead 'do, you can use the gentle towelettes to refresh your skin (fabulous on hot, sweaty days). Simply a MUST for every workout-addicted brown girl concerned about preserving her blowout post-Pilates! You'll love, love, love.
kisses,
Tia

I second that e-Motion

Hi everyone,
Well! I feel like my comment section has morphed into it's very own version of a gossipy, nasty weekly tabloid. I'm kind of enjoying it actually. I've never knew I was so scandalous! I feel like dressing up in a shiny suit and hopping around to "Hate Me Now"...and then returning said suit back to the store a week later! Speaking of returning outfits, there's much, much more to my Saks story than I told you, but you'll find out later. Until then...those of you who were horrified by my actions, I won't hold it against you. Super-hot weather has been known to turn even the sweetest, most non-judgmental girls into b&^%$es.

Besides, I've been called a lot worse than "tacky," "inconsistent" and "hypocritical." Ricky Merced called me "Eight-head" (get it?) all through seventh grade, and I had a seething crush on him anyway! Ricky, where are you?

Let's move on!! I wanted to bring your attention to a special program Glam.com is sponsoring with Motions, the mega haircare line most beloved by everyone's hairstylist. Motions has just launched their new Marula Natural Therapy Collection designed to repair and strengthen hair that's been obliterated by chemicals and heat-styling. The line includes the Hair & Scalp Oil, a fabulous lavender-infused spritz that protects against heat damage; Hair Treatment Balm, which contains UV protectors (so important) and shea butter to nourish brittle hair; and the much-buzzed about Hair Strengthening Moisturizer, a seriously intense lotion that glossifies dry, damaged hair...the best part is, it's totally non-greasy and absorbs in, like, two seconds. Over the next week, Glam.com will be sponsoring a sweepstakes where you can score samples of the Hair Strengthening Moisturizer! Click here to enter.

Love you guys,
Tia

PS...Thanks so much to all the gorgeous ladies who defend my honor thru thick and thin! You know I love you to death, and you know who you are. Big kiss.

Ambi Love!

Hi girls,
I'm back from the Hollywood Black Film Festival in Beverly Hills! It was fun, fun, fun! On Saturday night, AMBI Skincare sponsored the "Black Women in Film" screening and after-party...and they asked me to help host the events. There was a red carpet, and AMAZING short films, and Loretta Devine! And I got a saucy little cocktail dress (12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, and it's going back to Saks tomorrow). It was such an honor to be asked to participate, girls. Yes, I had a blast, but my excitement was slightly overshadowed by Adam's. My unassuming husband ended up having the quintessential LA experience. A., he was offered a Xanax by a harried businessman on our flight, and B., a porn director approached him at the after-party and asked him if he ever thought about exposing his Latin Lover on film. I'm still giggling...


Okay, so AMBI stocked our hotel room with all of their greatest hits, and both Adam and I fell hard for Ambi Soft & Even Body Care Creamy Oil Lotion ($8). Ooohhhh. It has all the super-moisturizing loveliness of a body oil, but it's in lotion form, so it's not greasy or weird. And your skin stays supple and ash-free for TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. Really great to keep in the bathroom for your and your hombre, since the scent is charmingly un-gender-specific...and once you get him hooked, you won't have to worry about him flashing those crusty knees and toes all summer.

xoxo,
Tia

Yes I can!!

Hey girls,
OBAMAOBAMAOBAMA! I mean, can you stand it? And did you see Michelle? She looked stunning in her violet sheath...and someone talked her out of that flip! I'm so in love with them. I'm "yes, we can"-ing all over my neighborhood. So inspired. And in the inspirational spirit of "yes, we can," I decided to do something I RARELY do. It's been awhile since my last hoo-ha wax appointment, and I really needed a touch up. So, last night, I took matters into my own hands! Many of you have asked me what I think about at-home bikini wax kits, and I have to say, the BEST on the market is Sally Hansen Wax Strip Kit Brow/Face/Bikini ($6.59). Sooo easy to use and totally mess-free. The kit comes with a bunch of different sized wax strips encased in paper. You simply cut a strip down to the right size for your "little girl," and then warm up the strip between your hands. Peel off the paper backing, slap it on the troublesome area, and rip it off! Works every time...even on those pesky little hairs that are like, half-in, half-out. I'm not going to say it's pain-free, because there are no lies on SYB, but it's easy and cheap, which goes a long way. Oh, and it comes with a special Azulene Finishing Oil that removes residue and conditions your skin to death. Happy waxing!

Meanwhile, I'm off to L.A. for the Hollywood Black Film Festival! The amazing beauty brand Ambi is sponsoring a "Black Women in Film" screening and after-party, and they actually asked me to host the party! I'm dying. There's a speech involved, and red carpets, and Spike Lee...I'm shaking in my gladiator flats. But you know I'll be back next week to give you all the deets!!
xoxo,
Tia

Lash of the Titans

Hi dolls,
I am wrong about a lot of things (including the fact that, no matter all the evidence to the contrary, I'm convinced there are 51 states in the US), but I'm seldom wrong about beauty-related matters. For years, I've insisted that there are certain products you buy in the drugstore, and others you must buy at a department store. For example, mascara. I used to shout from the rooftops that there's no mascara greater than good ole Maybelline Great Lash in Blackest Black--Chanel and Lancome be damned. Ohhh girls, I take it all back. I've never experienced longer, thicker, more false-in-the-best-way lashes that I have with Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara ($24). This brand new, limited edition mascara MONSTER was formulated expressly for ladies who love great big Liza-lashes. The black is the blackest black around (Dior describes it as "extreme khol"), and the enormous wand helps make lashes pop in a major way. I only need one coat, and I'm a triple-coat kinda woman. No clumps either! I'm so in love. It's hard for me to come to terms with spending over $8 for mascara, but I'm too into batting my new lashes to turn back now.
xoxo,
Tia